Remember when going solar meant you needed a roof of your own? Those days are fading into history in Maryland, thanks to some exciting changes in the state's Community Solar Program. Last spring, legislators in Maryland passed HB 908, making the state’s pilot community solar program permanent. As we dive into 2025, let's explore how this program has evolved from its beginnings to becoming a permanent fixture in Maryland's energy landscape.
Transforming the Pilot into a Permanent Program
Back in 2017, Maryland launched an ambitious pilot program to bring community solar to the state. The idea was simple: let everyone access solar energy, whether they owned a roof or not. After seven years of learning and growing, and with the evident success of the program, in 2023, Maryland took the bold step of making it permanent through House Bill 908.
The Key Changes From Pilot to Permanent
Improved Capacity Limitations
What's really changed? Quite a bit, actually. The pilot program had some training wheels on it - a statewide capacity cap of about 580 megawatts. The permanent program on the other hand, is subject only to the existing state net metering cap of 3GW's while also further increasing the size of individual projects from 2MW to 5MW. It's like upgrading from a kiddie pool to an Olympic-sized one.
Increase LMI Subscriber Requirements
One of the most impressive shifts is the program's enhanced focus on equity. The pilot program required 30% of each project to serve low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers, the permanent program ups the ante to 40%. This isn't just about clean energy - it's about making sure everyone can benefit from it, regardless of their income level.
The new permanent program also makes the sign up process easier for LMI customers. The program is implementing a self-attestation process which allows customers to self-attest their own income level in order to qualify for LMI community solar. Maryland residents can also be qualified by simply living in an area where majority of the households fall under a certain income threshold. This method makes it even easier for LMI individuals who want to take part in the program and is especially important for individuals who have trouble accessing the internet.
Stronger Subscriber Protection
The consumer protections have gotten stronger too. Whether you're a renter in Baltimore or a small business owner in Annapolis, you can now join with confidence. Contracts must be crystal clear, and those door-to-door salespeople? They need to pass background checks first. Plus, there's a smart rule preventing the user from subscribing to more than 200% of their annual energy use - because nobody wants to pay for solar power they can't use.
Consolidated Billing
One of the biggest improvements in the permanent program is the introduction of utility consolidated billing (UCB). Instead of getting one bill from your utility and a separate bill from your solar provider, everything will now be bundled into one simple utility bill. This streamlined approach makes community solar more accessible to everyone, especially households across different income levels.
While the Maryland Public Service Commission is still finalizing the details, consolidated billing must be in place by mid 2026 according to HB908. This change promises to make participating in community solar simpler than ever.
Maryland Community Solar Requirements
In an effort to make solar energy more accessible to everyone in the state, the requirements to enter this program are straightforward and inclusive. As long as you have an electric utility account with Delmarva, Baltimore Gas and Electric, Potomac Edison, or Pepco in Maryland, you can join a community solar project.. If you move within the same utility territory, your subscription moves with you - no hassle required.
Eligibility Requirements Include:
Must be a customer of BGE, Delmarva Power, Pepco, or Potomac Edison.
Own an electric meter
Physically located in the same utility territory as the solar project
Check your utility’s website for more information, or explore EnergySage to find nearby projects.
Community Solar in Maryland - FAQ's
What is community solar?
How can I find a Community Solar project near me?
Who can subscribe to community solar in Maryland?
What happens when I move?
When will consolidated billing be implemented?
Need more answers? Visit the Maryland.gov Community Solar FAQs
What Does This Mean for Maryland Community Solar?
What's particularly exciting is how the program fits into Maryland's bigger picture. With the state's ambitious goals of reaching 100% clean energy by 2035 with a 14.5% solar carve out, this program has the potential to set up Maryland as a model state for community solar for the country. The program is further creating jobs, boosting local tax revenues, and giving landowners new opportunities to put their property to work.
As we look ahead, it's clear that Maryland's community solar program has grown from an experimental concept into a mature, inclusive energy solution. The training wheels are off, and the road ahead looks bright.
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